Indonesia To Host The G20 Summit, Erick Thohir To PLN: For Whatever Reason, The Lights Cannot Be Turned Off

Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of SOEs)

JAKARTA - SOE Minister Erick Thohir reviewed the preparations of PT PLN (Persero) to ensure the reliability of electricity supply during the G20 Summit in Bali in October 2022. Erick also warned PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) or PLN not to turn off the lights during the event.

Erick also reminded officers later not to miss out on the day of the G20 Summit. Especially at important points, such as hotels where heads of state gather or during conferences.

"That's the most important thing. For whatever reason the lights cannot be turned off," said Erick, in a written statement received by VOI, quoted on Tuesday, December 28.

In addition, Erick also appreciated PLN's preparations that had been carried out long ago to make the G20 Summit a success. According to him, the preparations for the G20 Summit carried out by PLN have been very satisfying.

"Just from now on, start doing small exercises. For 9 months I believe that I have to practice," he said.

On the other hand, PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo said that the success of the implementation of the G20 Indonesia would be the key and proof of PLN's commitment to supporting the government in realizing a sustainable energy transition.

"For that, at the direction of the Minister, PLN must make thorough preparations. From primary energy supply, generation, transmission, to the venue," he said.

To ensure the reliability of electricity supply during the G20 Summit, PLN will deploy 550 standby officers to secure the generator to the location of the event venue every day.

Darmawan said that the majority of these personnel were tasked with securing the distribution lines as many as 436 people. While 28 of them will be on standby at the Bali and Java power plants, 52 personnel will secure the transmission, 18 network patrol pickets, and 16 load control pickets.

"To ensure the reliability of 24-hour electricity supply during the G20 Summit activities, PLN has divided these officers into three shifts," he said.

Not only that, said Darmawan, PLN will also alert 12 units of Working Under Voltage Conditions (PDKB), 26 Mobile Substations (UGB) with a total capacity of 7,660 kilo Volt Ampere (kVA), 55 units of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with a capacity of 5,370 kVA, 31 units of Mobile Genset with 4,490 kVA power. In addition, there are also 59 units of cars, 23 units of quick reaction, and 104 units of motorcycles for technical services (Yantek).

In terms of power supply, Darmawan emphasized that Bali's electricity system is ready to hold the G20 Summit. With a system capable of 1,322.1 Mega Watt (MW), the highest peak load in 2021 is recorded at 754.6 MW. So there is still a power reserve or reserve margin of 567.8 MW or 42.9 percent.

"Especially for the G20 Summit, we will increase it by 40 percent, while we increase asset utilization," said Darmawan.

Currently, said Darmawan, PLN has carried out the process of relocating the power plant from the Grati Gas and Steam Power Plant (PLTGU) to the Pesanggaran gas-fired power plant (PLTG) of 100 MW. This process is targeted to be completed in October 2022, so that by the time the summit takes place, the total system capable power in Bali will have a capacity of 1,422.1 MW.

PLN also predicts the peak load during the G20 Summit will be 980 MW. Darmawan also hopes that after the G20 Summit is over, the demand for PLN electricity can stay at that figure.

"If necessary (peak load) increases. So the G20 Summit will be a blessing for PLN," he said.

In addition to ensuring the reliability of electricity supply, Darmawan said PLN is also committed to meeting the infrastructure needs for charging electric vehicles. This step was taken to anticipate the plans of heads of state to use electric cars.

"According to the information we received, there will be 500 electric cars that will be used by the delegates of the G20 Summit. Of course the number of SPKLU currently available is still lacking," he said.

Darmawan said PLN would also increase the operation of Fast Charging Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (SPKLU) by 21 units in 15 shelters in strategic locations owned by PLN. All SPKLUs to be built are of the Fast Charging type, with details of 12 units of type 25 kilo Watt (kW) and 9 units of type 50 kW.

For your information, currently the total SPKLU owned by PLN throughout Indonesia totals 68 units. He also targets that PLN will increase its SPKLU more massively next year. So that electric vehicle owners no longer hesitate to use their electric vehicles.

Based on current data, of the 14,400 electric vehicles that have been in operation, around 12 thousand more of them are electric motorcycles and 1,656 units are electric cars. PLN also continues to actively provide SPKLU to support the growth of electric vehicles.

Darmawan also emphasized that the G20 Summit would be proof of PLN's commitment to supporting the government in achieving the energy transition. Various efforts have also been made by PLN to support the transition to clean energy. Starting from increasing the clean energy mix to encouraging the acceleration of the electric vehicle ecosystem.